Best Things To Do in Kanyakumari, India

Are you looking for what to do in Kanyakumari?

There are an abundance of monuments, especially on the small rock islands just off the coast.

Vivekananda Rock Memorial is an island Fort set atop two rock formations where, it is believed, Swami Vivekananda (the great philosopher) once meditated for enlightenment.

Another fascinating site is the impressive Thiruvalluvar Statue, of the Tamil poet and saint Tiruvalluvar, which stands 133 feet tall and 95 feet wide overlooking the sea. The statues pedestal is inscribed with the world famous verses of the poet philosopher.

Other monuments include the sacred Kumari Amman Temple (dedicated to the Goddess Parvathi, as a virgin) and the beautiful Gandhi Memorial, which housed the urn containing his ashes before they were ceremonially immersed in the sea.

Below we have a list of things to do in Kanyakumari and the places where you want to spend the best moments of your trip. At the same time, the city offers you the best neighborhoods to explore and new foods to try.

This list should help you in deciding and prioritizing what you should plan on your Kanyakumari getaway. Find a mix of must-see tourist spots, underrated local hangouts, and maybe even a few new experiences you can try out.

Make the most of your trip to Kanyakumari with confidence.

Tourist Attractions in Kanyakumari

Here is the list of things to do in Kanyakumari and tourist attractions in city.

  1. Padmanabhapuram Palace

    4.4 (1230 Votes)
    Padmanabhapuram Palace

    Art And Culture, Historical Site, Palace, Architecture

    The Padmanabhapuram Palace is actually located at the southern tip of Tamil Nadu but is interestingly looked after by the Kerela Government instead.  The building with its clay roof and old architecture itself is beautiful and elegant. It has been simply decorated. Unlike lavish and tall palaces in other parts of the country this place has a very rustic feel to it. There is a 300 year old...Read more
  2. Udayagiri Fort

    Ancient Ruin, Historical Site, Fort

    The Udaygiri fort is another relic from the Travancore kingdom in Tamil Nadu. This isolated fort used to be a mighty ammunition storage site for the army during the reign of Marthanda Varma. The strategic importance of the fort makes it a popular tourist destination. This fort like the Vattakottai was constructed in granite and has hence braved the elements through the years. The interesting t...Read more
  3. Vattakottai Fort

    4.2 (2830 Votes)
    Vattakottai Fort

    Waterfront, Historical Site, Fort

    The Travancore kingdom has left a mighty reminder of its power through the VattaKottai Fort. This court designed in a circular frame is an interesting site to visit near Kanykumari. Made of Granite and partly extending into the sea, this monument has braved the odds over the years and still stands strong on the coast of Kanyakumari. This fort was set up for naval defense in its time. Today it ...Read more
  4. Vivekananda Rock Memorial

    4.6 (2025 Votes)
    Vivekananda Rock Memorial

    Memorial, Monument

    The Vivekananda faced many delays in its construction but it was finally constructed in the 1970s. The monument is homage to Swami Vivekananda who was a Spiritual leader as well as a Modern Indian thinker and Philosopher. His memorial is not just a bunch of photos and artefacts from his life. The Memorial is a living breathing organization where youngsters who wish to take part in social servi...Read more
  5. Kanyakumari Beach

    4.4 (2340 Votes)
    Kanyakumari Beach

    Beach, Walking Area, Leisure

    Kanyakumari has a fairly large coastline and several beaches. The Kanykumari Beach refers to the beach from where you can see the Vivekananda Rock Memorial and the Thiruvalluvar statue. The two monuments certainly make this beach very popular amongst the tourists but the locals find a wonderful leisure spot in this beach. Kanyakumari being the southernmost point of India, this coast is also co...Read more
  6. Gandhi Memorial

    4.3 (2103 Votes)
    Gandhi Memorial

    Historical Site, Memorial

    Mahatma Gandhi is considered to be the Father of the great Nation of India. The Gandhi Memorial is the site where is mortal remains, i.e. his ashes were kept before they were immersed into the holy water of the Sangam. For this reason, this site has gained historic significance. The Gandhi memorial also displays many images from Gandhiji’s life and some objects that belonged to him. Ther...Read more
  7. Devi Kanya Kumari Temple

    Religious Site, Temple

    Devi Kanya Kumari, reputed to be Kumari Amman or the virgin goddess, is one of the types of Devi revered in Kanyakumari. She is famously reputed to be the Bhagavathy Amman. Bhagavathy Amman Temple is placed in Kanya Kumari, the previously Cape Comorin, on the intercection of the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea, and the Indian Ocean. She is additionally known by a few different names, incorporat...Read more
  8. Kumari Amman Temple

    Religious Site, Temple

    The Kumari Amman temple is a temple of the goddess Kumari amman in Kanya Kumari. This temple is famous for the brilliant glittering diamond nose ring of the deity that is said to have led a few sailors astray due to its brightness.  It is a beautiful temple dedicated to the goddess more popularly known as Durga. It is allegedly quite and finds mention in  some of the Hindu religious ...Read more
  9. Mathur Aqueduct

    View Point, Bridge

    The Mathur Aqueduct is about 60kilometers from Kanyakumari near the village of Mathur. This aqueduct, which means a bridge conveying water, was created during the draught in 1966 to help the draught stuck area of Tamil Nadu. This aqueduct has become a popular tourist site. You can climb on the bridge and enjoy lovely views of the greenery around and the beauty of the Pahrali River on which it ...Read more
  10. St Xavier Church

    4.6 (1282 Votes)
    St Xavier Church

    Church, Religious Site

    St. Francis Xavier has been an influential evangelist in India. He has found followers in many of the coastal towns including Goa. The Saint Francis Xavier church is homage to this saint who had travelled all over the subcontinent to spread the message of Christianity. It is interesting that the saint received the land for the church as an award for helping the king drive away the enemy which ...Read more
  11. Thiruvalluvar Statue

    4.5 (1097 Votes)
    Thiruvalluvar Statue

    View Point, Memorial, Statue, Sculpture

    Located by the Vivekananda memorial rock, on top of a beautiful island stands the magnificent stone sculpture that is 133 feet tall. This masterpiece of art is of the great Tamil poet philosopher Tiruvalluvar. The sculpture is strategically located amidst the beauty of two seas uniting with the vast Indian Ocean in its surroundings. On climbing up to the feet...Read more
  12. Bhagavathy Amman Temple

    4.7 (526 Votes)
    Bhagavathy Amman Temple

    Religious Site, Temple

    The Bhagavathy Amman Temple commonly known as Kanyakumari Devi Temple meaning ‘Virgin Girl’ is dedicated to the Hindu Goddess Shree Bhagavathy (Durga). The holy shrine is spoken of in the holy books of Ramayana and Mahabharata. Devotees believe that on visiting this temple they are spiritually energized while they attain mental peace by the holy goddess. Also, visit the popula...Read more
  13. Thirparappu Falls

    4.4 (1207 Votes)
    Thirparappu Falls

    Temple, Water Body, View Point

    Enjoy a boat ride at leisure or relax on the petite rocky island on a visit to the Thirparappu Falls in the state of Tamil Nadu, Kanyakumari. You can also pay visit to the famous Mahadeva Temple which stands at the entrance of the falls. The falls are scanty during the summer season while it looks grand with lavish showers during the monsoons. Also, visit the popular attractions in the ci...Read more
  14. Our Lady Of Ransom Church

    4.5 (1133 Votes)
    Our Lady Of Ransom Church

    Church, Religious Site

    Our Lady of Ransom Church is a blessed Christian shrine that's run by faith and goodwill. The church is located in Tamil Nadu – Kanyakumari close to a beach. The three towered structure was constructed in an ancient Gothic style and lavishly painted in pearl white giving its visitors a brush through the old Portugal times. The church today is over a hundred years old but still shines as ...Read more
  15. Kutralam Main Falls

    4.5 (865 Votes)
    Kutralam Main Falls

    Water Body, View Point

    In the Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu lie the picturesque Courtallam Falls which share the boundary of Kollam district of Kerala State as well. the water of the falls are believed to have curative powers that help in aiding nerve and skin disorders as the flow from the herbs in the forest area. Also, visit the popular attractions in the city by following Kanyakumari itinerary 1 day.